BASINGSTOKE Saints Reserves had a baptism of fire as played their opening game in the Basingstoke and District Sunday League and went down 17-0 to visiting UWS in the Bernard Cornish Cup.
The new team were scheduled to join at the beginning of the season under a different name and management but could not get off the ground.
Saints stepped in to save the day taking them under their wing as a reserve side, hence the delayed start.
For many of the players it was the first time playing adult 11-a-side football on a full-sized pitch.
Their opening game was against from a division above them, who have now gone five games without defeat.
UWS scorers were Ryan Lupton and Darren Head who filled their boots with four each, Jake Williams netted a hat-trick, Andrew Davidson got a brace, and there were singles strikes for James Tarrant, Mark Thompson, Nathan Glasgow, and Dean Barrett.
Unbeaten Affini Technology also progressed through to the next round with a clean sheet, running out 8-0 winners over Division Three Chineham Reserves.
Nick Jupp scored a pair and Daniel Argent, Mario Lanuzza, Joe Lawler, Matt Bennett, Dave Weatherhead, and Shane Third also scored.
Chineham Athletic registered a Ben Irons' consolation as they succumbed 10-1 at Bramley United.
Stuart Leddy racked up five goals, including a first half hat-trick. Adam Bartlett added a fourth to make it 4-1 at half-time, with Colin Bell firing in a brace to add to a pair of own goals after the interval.
Hampshire Irons faced the irresistible force of North Warnborough Reserves, losing 5-0 as Sean Delfosse scored twice.
In an all-Division Three clash, Camrose Social beat DG Athletic 4-1, with Aaron Burt's hat-trick to add to Tony Pendlebury's strike, while James Brown scored for DG.
Visitors Eastrop Eagles beat Chineham 2-0 as Keith Davies and Jeff Barlow both scored, while North Warnborough lost 5-2 to a strong Team FC.
Soldiers Return Reserves visited Revolution and competed well throughout, fell behind after 15 minutes as Callum Silcox's cross was converted by Tom Hartley.
A breakaway by Revolution edged them back in front by half-time and they scored late on twice to win 4-1.
Craig Atkinson scored twice with Nathan Duncombe and Jamie Perryman completely the Revolution scoring.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here